Tag Archives: Iphone 4

Sometimes you can find earth-shattering new technology on Kickstarter, gadgets so revolutionary, they change the way we think about tech. Other times, it's just a case a of a good, simple idea that fills a need. Definitely not a work of genius, the FlipGrip, a new multi-function iPhone carrying case falls into the latter category.

That's not to say that this iPhone accessory isn't a worthwhile Kickstarter project. Sure, there are already plenty of iPhone cases and skins out there. But the FlipGrip does have a simple yet practical twist that'll let you keep a handle on your phone – literally.

Its design centers around a unique, multi-function handle that acts as both a grip and multi-position stand. Why should you need a handle for your phone, you might ask? Well, you may have already found yourself in the same position that led the FlipGrip's creator to make the case in the first place:

"FlipGrip was born out of the necessity to get a better "GRIP" on my smartphone. One day while lying in bed reading the news, the idea hit me!"

And so the FlipGrip was created, a protective plastic iPhone carrying case with a handle that doubles as a stand but which can snap shut to rest flush with the case when it's not in use.

See what we mean about simple and practical ideas being worth their while? And though the current FlipGrip prototype is a model for iPhone 4/4S, models for other iOS devices, like iPhone 5 and iPad carrying cases, are on their way.

On top of that, FlipGrip says theu'll be applying the same concept to cases for "other popular devices from Samsung, Google, Amazon and Microsoft in early 2013."

Sure, the FlipGrip is hardly revolutionary in terms of iPhone accessories. But sometimes it's less important whether you're doing something someone else has done before, as long as you're doing it better.

Even for Apple devotees who have nothing but praise for their iPhones, battery life is a common concern. But if the above image is something you never want to see on your iPhone again, there are ways to go about it. Plenty of iPhone accessories are designed specifically to help you extend battery life, so you can banich the red low battery symbol from your life forever.

For everyday use, an iPhone external battery case is probably your best bet. With an extra battery built right in, accessories like Incipio's offGRID line of cases combine the protection of a carrying case with a life-saving back-up battery.

Incipio offGRID Battery Case for iPhone 4 and 4S in Black

With models for both iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, the OffGRID Battery Case will double your talk, text, viewing and game time, all in a sleek and compact package that adds surprisingly little extra bulk to your phone. The offGRID for iPhone 5 even features LED lights to let you keep track of battery life.

Incipio offGRID Battery Case for iPhone 5 in White

But for longer jaunts, say, a week-long camping trip or a vacation abroad, you're probably going to need more than just double the usual battery life. And Dexim's BluePack S8 external battery will give you an additional 11 hours of talk, 21 hours of gaming or video viewing or 92 hours of music.

Dexim BluePack S8 Enhanced Battery for All Devices

Actually compatible with most other phones and devices too, Dexim's is one of the best iPhone battery extenders out there in that it can also be used to power up your iPad and iPod and features LED indicators to let you know how much juice you've got left. Oh, and it's also got a nifty little flashlight built in, so it really is a great iPhone accessory for travelers.

So, between backup battery packs and external battery cases, there's no reason you should have to worry about that horrible red battery image ever again. Because, whether it's just a typical workday, or a long trip abroad, there's an iPhone accessory that's got your battery life covered.

OtterBox carrying cases are already widely credited as some of the world's best . Their protective Defender and Commuter cases are highly reviewed and extremely popular. But even so, the company's been promising something new since 2012 and with their latest OtterBox Armor case for iPhone 5, they've delivered.

"The OtterBox iPhone 5 Armor Series case is a reinvention of an OtterBox classic that brings protection against water, drops, dust and crushing force," says the company.

But we feel that's a mild understatement. This super-tough case can actually survive a plunge of up to 6 metres, thanks to metal latches, an o-ring seal, port covers and mesh coverings.

The new Otterbox Armor case for iPhone 5 in Black and Green

Since it was only unveiled a little over a month ago at CES, the iPhone 5 Armor case, which is also available for iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S III, is basically the newest thing on the market.

But already, it's been surrounded by great reviews calling it one of the best. PC Mag listed the Armor case for iPhone 5 in its roundup of the 20 coolest cases at CES.

OtterBox Armor Case for iPhone 5 in White and Grey

And for its part, OtterBox is calling it the toughest case ever built, adding, "This case was made with confidence. We encourage you to use it with some."

Otterbox has long been a leader in iPhone accessories, and with this latest offering, it looks as though the company intends to keep its crown. As for us, we're thrilled to have the Armor case for iPhone 5 available so early in its release, and we're pretty sure you will be too.

It's kind of a new thing that people are talking about cell phone accessories, like carrying cases and skins, in terms of fashion and trends. But right now, animal prints and motifs are big. And we've put together a list of our top 5 iPhone accessories in animal patterns, one of the season's biggest trends.

Among the best and coolest in this category are Griffin and Incase carrying cases for iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. It's odd that just two accessories makers made our list, but hey, some brands are just more style-conscious than others. Read on for the coolest skins and cases inspired by the wild kibgdom:

1. Griffin's Moxy Cat Carrying Case for iPhone 5 in pink and Black

Griffin Moxy Cat Case for iPhone 5 in Pink and Black

Definitely designed with the fashionista in mind, this model features a jungle-inspired leopard print in always fashionable black with hot pink accents. Underneath the cool look though, you'll find this case has two layers of protection, all with easy access to screen, ports, camera and controls. Me-ow!

2. Griffin Moxy Python Carrying Case for iPhone 5 in Black

Griffin Moxy Python Case for iPhone 5 in Black

Animal prints drawn from the big cats have always been a fixture of fashion, but more recently snakes and lizards have been a top trend too. Get that cool reptilian look with Griffin's Moxy Python Case with a textured pattern of large, black scales. It's wickedly cool.

3. Griffin Moxy Python Carrying Case for iPhone 5 in Red

Griffin Moxy Python Case for iPhone 5 in Red

For a slightly more delicate snakeskin look, the textured pattern on the Griffin Moxy Python Case in Red is a little more intricate and dainty. Still wild at heart, it combines one of the biggest trends of the season with a hot red punch of color.

4. Incase Animal SnapCase for iPhone 4S in White

Incase Animal SnapCase for iPhone 4S in Striped White

When it comes to the animal print craze, all animals are fair game, and this white Incase carrying case snaps on for zebra-inspired statement. The overall color combo of this wild and stripey model makes for a slightly subtler statement than some of the other accessories in our top 5. So it's a way to rock this trend without making too loud of a splash.

5. Incase Animal SnapCase for iPhone 4S in Red

Incase Animal SnapCase for iPhone 4S in Striped Red

And from there, we go straight to the big guns, with the red-n-red Animal SnapCase from Incase. WIth a bold tiger print, and hot, attention-grabbing color combo, this iPhone 4 carrying Case is not for the faint of heart. Flashy, and wild, it's the epitome of what animal prints are all about.

In terms of iPhone accessories, these top 5 animal-inspired cases are among the coolest and trendiest. But more importantly, Griffin and Incase are both brands we can trust as far as practicality and protection goes. So you can be sure your phone won't just look good, it'll be in good hands.

Oh, no! You're out for the day but forgot your iPhone charging cable at home. The only way anything in your wallet is going to help you now is if you head to the nearest electronics store and pick up an extra Apple phone charger, right?

Not necessarily, if you've got a ChargeCard. Gizmodo and Mashable reported this week on a new product which originally popped up on Kickstarter but has since found enough funding to start shipping some models.

The credit card-shaped Apple accessory works like a USB data cable for iPhone 4 or iPhone 5. But, at the thickness of about three regular credit cards, it conveniently fits in your wallet, so you're likely to have it on you at all times.

For the time being, the makers of the ChargeCard are only starting to ship microUSB and iPhone 4 dock connector models. but they've also got a lightning version for iPhone 5 in the works, as well as models for BlackBerry and Android phones.

We're not saying that the ChargeCard will totally replace your other iPhone chargers. Obviously, it serves quite a different purpose than, say, an iPhone desktop charger. And, unlike your traditional Apple cable charger, which you can use at any outlet, the ChargeCard needs a USB port to work.

But it's still a clever accessory and, at its cheap $25 price tag, it's an iPhone accessory that's totally worth it, even as just a backup way of extending battery life.

Whether you're a die-hard iPhone user, an Android adherent, Windows Phone wizard or BlackBerry for life, we can all agree on something; a good cell phone carryingcase is a necessity. And, when you're looking for top-of-the line accessories, it's best when you can get them on the cheap.

If you're of the same opinion, then you're timing's just right, since Pure Mobile's running a special on all our cell phone carrying cases, with 20% off all covers and skins. That includes even new models, like iPhone 5 cases, and leading brands, like Griffin, OtterBox, Incase, Moshi, iLuv, and more.

Griffin Survivor Carrying Case for iPhone 5 in Black and Red

From popular rugged models, like Griffin's Survivor carrying case for iPhone 5, or OtterBox's Defender case for Galaxy S3, to more pared down and minimalist skins and cases, you'll find it all at a cheap deal.

Otterbox Defender Carrying Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 in Black

This 20% off promotion applies to our huge collection of carrying cases and skins, and we're proud to include leading names in mobile accessories, like Moshi, iSkin, Incase, and iLuv as well.

To take advantage of the deal, just enter the following coupon code when you check out:

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Moshi iGlaze iPhone 4 Carrying Case in Silver

But there are limited quantities, so the sale won't last forever. So check out the Pure Mobile shop and browse our collection of hundreds of top cell phone carrying cases from the best in the industry.

Okay, so we all want to keep our fragile and costly devices protected. But have we gone a little too far in making crazy brick-like carrying cases to keep them safe? mentalKase, a new line of protective iPhone cases on Kickstarter, has led us to conclude yes and no.

At first glance, we completely pshawed the mentalKase. Branded as a sort of ultimate outdoorsman's carrying case, It looks like a really big silicone skin with a handle, wrapped around a slightly smaller silicone skin. Combined, the two layers practically double the size of your iPhone – talk about bulky!

But the case (which is compatible with iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S with an iPhone 5 model in the works) isn't actually silicone. Its inner layer is made of TPU, while the large outer layer is made of micro-cell rubberized foam (MCRF), which mentalKase says "protects sensitive electronics from shock and impact" like nothing else.

And while their video shows someone dropping their iPhone, clad in a mentalKase, from a two-story rooftop, and another person chucking theirs into the air like a juggler, one wonders if any normal person would ever need protection for such activities? Nonetheless, the the iPhones survive, so at least we know the mentalKase does what it's supposed to.

Another little drawback to the mental case is that, while the outer layer allows access to the headphone jack, no mention is made of any of the other iPhone ports, so we're not really sure how you're supposed to charge with it on. Nevermind that it's not particularly attractive, though you can remove the outside and use just the inner layer.

It's also behind some other heavy-duty iPhone accessories, like the Lifeproof, and OtterBox's upcoming Armor case, in that it's not waterproof. But it will float to the surface, for whatever good that does you.

The outer layer of the mentalKase converts to a desktop iPhone stand

There are some nice features to the mentalKase, however. You can use it with your phone's screen out or flipped in, for extra protection. And the outer layer can be removed and converted into an iPhone desktop stand.

Also, the MCRF material used for the outer is anti-microbial. But, just as we feel it's a bit of an exaggeration to try and protect your phone lest it fall off a roof, we also think it's a little phobic to need a sterile case. Really, has your phone case ever given you a cold?

Over all, the mentalKase looks like a pretty decent product, and seems to deliver on what it promises. So, in that sense, it's not really going overboard if you happen to need a massive, germ-resistant iPhone case that can survive a game of "toss that phone" and can float like a fishing bobber.

But if you're looking for everyday use, we'd probably recommend a more streamlined case with a slightly lower level of shock absorption, something that'll actually fit in your pocket.

Still, it just goes to show that, for every person and every lifestyle, there's an iPhone accessory out that's just right.

Today's Pure Mobile accessory of the week would make any outdoorsman proud. Basically the Swiss Army Knife of cell phone accessories, PureGear's PX360 ExtremeCase for iPhone 4/4S is more than just an iPhone case, it's also touted as an "extreme protection system."

Voted by Men's Fitness as the "most functional" on their list of "best cases for your iPhone4/4S" the ExtremeCase offers a crazy level of protection, in an ultra-sporty design. There's no risk of your iPhone unexpectedly coming out of the case if it drops; the ExtremeCase is secured by six screws and acts as a 360-degree shield, witha built-in screen protector.

But what makes it really great for the rugged, outdoorsy type or active athlete are additional features, like the built-in loop at the top, which comes with a carbiner, so you can secure your phone when you're on the go or when you've set up camp.

And, aside from the fairly standard kick-stand, PureGear's ExtremeCase offers cool details rarely found in an iPhone case, like a built-in bottle opener and wrench. So even if you're out of service area, your iPhone may just be able to get you out of a sticky situation.

This wouldn't be the first time, but The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported yesterday on a rumor that Apple is at work on a new iPhone that's cheaper than the current models.

According to the report, the cheaper iPhone that Apple is supposedly developing would answer to the fact the company is under increasing pressure to make a more affordable device in the face of "an onslaught of lower cost rivals powered by Google Inc.'s Android operating system," which are snapping up more and more of the market.

Citing "people briefed in the matter," the report says that the lower-priced iPhone would look more or less like the standard iPhone but would forego the iPhone 5's aluminum backing for a cheaper polycarbonate shell. And on the inside, the rumored smartphone would have some recycled parts from older iPhone models.

True, as the WSJ's Digits noted, even older versions, like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, are pretty steep without carrier subsidies. "The iPhone 4 without a contract, a phone two generations old, for example, costs $450 on Apple’s store," writes Digits.

But even coming from the WSJ, others warn not to read too much into this rumor. There was similar speculation as far back as February 2011, and nothing ever came of it.

In tackling the reasons we should be skeptical, Gizmodo probably put it best:

Is Apple working on prototypes made from cheaper materials? I'm sure it is. It's also working on prototypes with more expensive materials, and has been exploring both since the very first iPhone came out. But why would Apple sell an iPhone with iPhone 4S parts when it already sells the iPhone 4S? Why make an iPhone 5 out of cheaper materials when in less than a year's time the iPhone 5 will be discounted heavily to make way for a shiny new iPhone 6 (or 5S, or whatever)?

Nevermind that you can actually buy a cheap iPhone 4S through the Apple store already, or get a free iPhone with a contract. In other words, you can hope and pray for a new, lower-priced iPhone – just don't hold your breath.

There are so many good iPhone cases on the market, but when it comes to our ongoing Mobile Accessory of the Week feature, there can be only one! This week, it's a case that'll finally get BlackBerry users to leave iPhone users alone.

But the integration of a full and super-handy keyboard in no way interferes with the way you'd normally use your iPhone. With a cutout design, the touchscreen is completely unencumbered and the case itself doesn't add very much bulk to your iPhone either.

Because it's BluTooth-enabled, you do have to charge the Hip Street Keyboard Case via USB cable, but a good 2 to 3 hours of charging should last you a few days. And you can always turn off the keyboard with a switch whenever it's not in use to conserve battery power.

Over all, it's a well made, sleek-looking case and an invaluable tool for anyone who tends to use their iPhone heavily for texts and emails. And that makes it our top pick for mobile accessory of the week.